Reasons for the appearance of black cockroaches in an apartment and methods of dealing with them

What black cockroaches look like, photo

Black cockroaches are distinguished by their characteristic coloring. At the same time, adult individuals have some differences in comparison with adults. A representative of the genus Blattidae is shown in the photo below.

Males and females exhibit sexual dimorphism. In this case, there are common signs in the description of adult individuals:

• Flat, uniform and oval body with a reddish-brown appearance;
• The location of numerous appendages at the end of the flattened abdomen;
• Isolation of yellow eyes on the movable head;
• The mouthparts are of the gnawing type with platbands lighter than other parts;
• Long, bristle-like antennae;
• Elongated paws with slightly flattened pads;
• Arrangement of small suckers between small claws;
• Long spines on the legs and thighs.

The size of black cockroaches is much larger compared to red parasites. Signs of the appearance of the female and male black cockroach are discussed in more detail in the table below.

If small cockroaches were found in the apartment, then these are nymphs (developing small individuals), which are smaller in size and lack sexual appendages. An insect goes through 6 main stages of development.

The presence of a black cockroach with yellow stripes in a living space indicates that the insect came from other latitudes along with transported items.

Insect development stages

A sexually mature female black cockroach can lay eggs for further reproduction. This process is carried out regularly (about 22 times) until the insect becomes an imago (about 7 months).

The female carries the capsules for 2 weeks, and then leaves it in a warm and protected place to reproduce on its own. It contains from 8 to 20 eggs. At the moment of opening, no more than 65% of the nymphs hatch, which quickly spread throughout the living space of the room.

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Given favorable conditions, cockroaches quickly go through their life cycle until the onset of the adult stage (about 7–12 months). If there is a sharp drop in temperature, then the larvae can wait in the wings for several years.

Using traps

In cases where cockroaches do not want to leave the premises, you can try to deceive them using traps. You can use different foods to attract their attention. You can be sure that not a single cockroach will refuse food lying in a visible place.

Grease the inner walls of a glass bowl with sunflower oil. Insects will easily get inside, attracted by the aroma of the treat, but will not be able to get out. Such traps should be emptied once every 2 days.

Another popular trap involves the use of glue. Spread it around the edible bait. It will stop the cockroaches on their way to food - their paws will stick firmly to the floor.

An example of a trap.

To increase efficiency, you can poison the bait. Mix a few whispers of boric acid into it. You can hard boil several eggs and mix the mashed yolk with acid. Roll the resulting mass into small balls. Scatter them around the bathroom, kitchen and other places where insects gather.

Modern ready-made traps are even more original. Some of them kill insects with an electric discharge, while others affect the cockroach's reproductive system, making it infertile.

Structure of a black cockroach

Black cockroaches have a simple structure of the gnawing type mouthparts:

• The upper jaws have teeth that are used for digesting food;
• Taste buds are located in the appendages of the oral cavity;
• The inner side of the oral apparatus has an identical structure in comparison with other insects;
• The body cavity also has a similar structure in comparison with other arthropods. The peculiarity lies in the merging of the primary and secondary parts;
• Muscles are attached to the external skeleton.

The digestive system consists of the following parts:

• Oral cavity;
• Pharynx;
• Goiter;
• Masticatory stomach;
• Esophagus;
• Digestive secretion that promotes the digestion and absorption of food;
• Hindgut for removing excrement from the insect's body.

The danger of black cockroaches

The main harm that black cockroaches cause is that they enter living quarters from unsanitary places and successfully carry various infections and pathogens on their limbs:

• Helminthiasis;
• Typhoid fever;
• Dysentery;
• Diphtheria.

Insects can spoil household items and products, so when they appear, it is necessary to take appropriate measures to destroy them.

How to get rid

There are a wide variety of ways to get rid of black cockroaches. Some of them are very effective and provide almost a hundred percent guarantee. Others are less effective, but also expose a person to less risk when using them. If you have these parasites, the article will be useful, regardless of the specifics of the situation. Methods of struggle are:

• mechanical and thermal;
• chemical;
• folk;
• professional.

Ways of insects getting into living quarters

Black cockroaches can appear in an apartment even under perfectly clean conditions. For safe crawling of insects, a close proximity to the nest of parasites is sufficient.

Main routes of entry:

• The presence of cockroaches in neighbors, since this method is considered the most common. Parasites easily move into the apartment through existing cracks and holes;
• Sewer passages that are located around the entire perimeter of the apartment;
• Basements, ventilation shafts, and garbage collectors are considered the most favorable places for cockroaches to breed;
• Large black cockroaches most often appear in an apartment along with brought things (bag, suitcase, other items);
• When purchasing household appliances, furniture, or hand-me-downs, there is a risk of transferring parasites into your own home.

These insects like to hide in secluded places (cracks between furniture, sewer holes, baseboards, areas behind wallpaper, sofas, cabinets and other furniture).

Where do cockroaches hide and how to find them?

The main danger is that “barbels” crawl in trash cans and toilets, become carriers of harmful microorganisms (especially black cockroaches, as opposed to white ones), and can become the causative agents of a variety of diseases: from parasites to typhoid. Everyone knows what pests look like, but finding them can be very difficult; most often they can be seen in the kitchen.

How can you tell if you have guests? Signs of cockroaches in a room:

• black spots on walls, dishes or furniture;
• specific smell;
• insect eggs.

Most often, people do not notice these signs until they see the insects with their own eyes. Even when maintaining sterile cleanliness in the room there is always a trash can, insects secrete special pheromones, thanks to which the entire population learns about the location of the food source.

Red cockroaches prefer to settle near a water source; any access to water is used for drinking, incl. toilet, pet bowl.

Most often they are localized in secluded places hidden from human eyes; they can be found behind the back walls of kitchen cabinets, in household appliances, in crevices of baseboards, in ventilation ducts, and grilles. Cockroaches only need a small space between appliances, furniture and walls to set up a nesting site, from which it will be quite difficult to drive them out.

The kitchen is an important living space, where food and food are as accessible as possible.

Insects can live for a very long time without food, but they cannot tolerate the lack of water, which is why they are most often localized in kitchens, near the water supply.

Cockroaches prefer dark, hard-to-reach places where they are quite difficult to catch; in such places they can sit out in columns. They are predominantly nocturnal; their presence during the day indicates that there are too many of them.

What do these insects eat?

The peculiarity of the structure of the oral apparatus of black cockroaches allows them to be omnivores, so they can consume the following foods, plants and materials:

• Confectionery;
• Sugar, cereals;
• Fish, meat;
• Fruits vegetables;
• Indoor flowers;
• Leather Products;
• Paper, soap, glue, books.

At the same time, black cockroaches most like to feast on leftover food and prefer beer, as it is often used as bait. The process of food absorption occurs mainly at night, when the rhythm of life in the apartment subsides.

Reproduction of black cockroaches

The life cycle of cockroaches is divided into 3 main forms of development (egg, larva, adult). Summer time is considered a favorable period for the reproduction of insects. Females begin to lay eggs in a chitinous cocoon containing 16 embryos.

The female, who is preparing to increase her offspring, has a slightly enlarged belly, and for several days she leaves the eggs in a quiet and secluded place. The period of development and hatching of new individuals is 44 days. After this time, new individuals begin their life cycle of development, which can range from several months to 5 years.

Who is more dangerous, red or black cockroaches?

Residential premises can be infested with black or red cockroaches, but the two types of insects do not get along with each other, since they claim the same living conditions.

In such a fight, red cockroaches have an advantage, since they reproduce much faster in comparison with their black relatives.

The appearance of the black cockroach is alarming, since the body length is up to 5 cm with a corresponding color and sparkling tint, emanating an unpleasant odor.

If we talk about the danger of both species, then these insects can carry various infections and diseases on their limbs, which causes a potential risk for humans. Therefore, when they appear in an apartment, it is necessary to carry out appropriate disinfection measures.

Anti-cockroach products

When folk remedies or mechanical methods of fighting large cockroaches do not help, then you need to reach a new level - start using special drugs. In modern toxicology, research is regularly conducted on how to get rid of black cockroaches in the shortest possible time?

Remedies for cockroaches

There are countless cockroach control products sold on the market today. It would seem: go to the market, buy the necessary product and breed the black Prussians. However, not everything is so simple - the fact is that some products do not give the expected result, so we offer the TOP best drugs against cockroaches.

• “Combat Superbyte” is a trap for cockroaches. This method of fighting has been known for more than 40 years. The principle of operation of “Combat Superbyte” is very simple: a cockroach runs into a trap and eats the bait, from where it runs out already infected with hydramethylnon. An infected individual comes into contact with its relatives, infecting them with an insecticide. The poison is transmitted from individual to individual, resulting in the death of the entire colony.

Insecticide Combat SuperByte

Where do these traps come from? The remedy for black locusts is sold at any insecticide store or market. Combat Superbyte traps specialize in the destruction of small and large colonies of insects.

• "Raptor". We are all very familiar with this product - it was advertised on TV and sold in literally every insecticide store. “Raptor” is found on the modern market in the form of gel, spray and powder. Regardless of the state of aggregation or type, the drug shows excellent results in the shortest possible time.

Raptor against cockroaches in gel form

How to use Raptor? Experts advise spraying or scattering it in all corners of the rooms, especially in the bathroom - a place where cockroaches have free access to water. Powerful insecticides instantly kill a cockroach without harming human health. However, the manufacturer recommends using rubber gloves and a respirator to handle the apartment. After treatment, do not stay in the house for 3-4 hours until the chemicals settle.

• “Gett” from Prussians is diluted with water in a ratio of 1:5 and the room is treated with a spray. After treatment, it is recommended to ventilate the house for 2–4 hours. The product contains chlorpyrifos, a powerful insecticide. The advantages of the drug include: absence of odor and long-lasting effect.

  
  Gett from the Prussians

• "Global" (Globol). The drug from Germany is sold on Russian markets in the form of tubes. A gel without a strong odor allows you to instantly get rid of insects within a few hours. The manufacturer guarantees 100% destruction of Prussians in the apartment. The duration of action is about 30–40 days.

  
  Globol product range

How is Global used? It is better to handle the room with gloves and a respirator, since the drug releases toxins harmful to the body. The product treats nooks and crannies in the kitchen, the toilet and washbasin in the bathroom, as well as the space behind the furniture in the bedroom.

Basic methods of controlling black cockroaches

Methods of combating black cockroaches involve the use of various techniques with certain effects that make it possible to completely exterminate these parasites.

Mechanical restoration

One of the main methods of controlling cockroaches is mechanical action using a fly swatter or an ordinary slipper. Moreover, this technique is effective for a single detection of the parasite.

If there is a whole colony of cockroaches in the apartment, then simple mechanical extermination will not give the desired result and other disinfection measures will be required.

Carrying out heat treatment

Heat treatment is based on freezing the places where parasites accumulate. If cockroaches are infested in an apartment building, then this method will not work, since you will have to completely turn off the central heating, which is quite problematic.

Using repellents

Repellents are certain substances that have a repellent effect on black cockroaches. Parasites react poorly to various odors (rye during flowering, bay leaves, elderflowers).

The use of the technique is safe for humans, since these products are of natural origin. At the same time, the parasites quickly get used to them and begin to reproduce safely.

Traps

Traps are used to eliminate black cockroaches when there are small concentrations of them. As bait they take foods that he likes to feast on. The devices must be placed in places that are clearly visible to insects.

Types of traps:

1. The necessary delicacy can be placed in a glass jar with sunflower oil, since if it gets in, the cockroaches will no longer be able to get out of it;
2. The desired effect is achieved by lubricating the cockroaches’ paths to the treat with an adhesive composition;
3. The design of modern traps is equipped in such a way that when cockroaches get into them, they die from exposure to electric current;
4. Carrying out disinfestation using an electric discharge.

Insecticides

Insecticides are aggressive chemicals that act on the cockroach’s body and contribute to its complete destruction. This technique is considered one of the more effective and is used by various disinfection services.

The relevant stores offer a wide range of such products. Effective insecticides in liquid consistency:

• Cucaracha has class 2 toxicity and is capable of destroying all existing parasites in one go;
• The substance helps to destroy cockroaches due to exposure to each other and damage to the intestines, which leads to their death;
• Delta Zone. A drug with intestinal and contact effects. The product is safe for people and pets;
• Ksylat 25. The substance has a high efficiency and degree of toxicity, therefore it is used only by professional disinfectors;
• Lambda Zone. The product does not have a negative effect on the human body, plants or pets. Does not cause addiction among parasites.

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Insecticides in the form of gels have a potent effect and are discussed in detail in the list below:

1. Trap Gel-paste Sturm . When using the product, all individuals gradually die over 2–3 days. The effect lasts about 2 months. Application is done pointwise.
2. Gel Globol . An effective remedy that has a fairly high cost. The drug is presented in the form of a convenient tube that easily penetrates hard-to-reach places. Kills up to 500 cockroaches with one treatment.
3. Gel Fas. The product has toxicity class 4 and can be used when processing any equipment, as it does not leave any traces behind.

The aerosol form of insecticides is often used by professionals. Common uses include the following:

• Raptor allows you to completely destroy crawling and flying insects;
• Combat has a pleasant lemon scent and helps kill cockroaches while simultaneously freshening the air in the living room.

Powders are popular among insecticides used because they are easy to use:

• Pyrethrum. The composition of the product is based on the content of plant components of natural origin (chamomile flowers), which effectively eliminate various types of insects;
• Borax. The powder is mixed in equal proportions with sugar or flour, and then the affected area is treated;
• Medilis Cyper. It has an effect on home and garden parasites, therefore it has a wide range of applications

Traps with bait

These methods are popular, because the presence of children and animals in the house makes it difficult to use dust, glue - open insecticides in principle. But a plastic trap is harmless, although not effective. The operating principle of the device varies. The main thing they have in common is that there is a substance inside that attracts insects with its pleasant smell. And then it’s a matter of technology. Some traps have an insecticide inside that poisons the parasite, others simply by their design or sticky base do not allow it to get out. There are more complex methods of “execution”, when the moment an insect gets inside it is struck with an electric current. In any case, the use of a trap is an average effective method of dealing with large black cockroaches.

Is it possible to eliminate black cockroaches forever?

Complete destruction of black cockroaches is almost impossible if you treat the premises yourself. If the cleaning is carried out by the SES, then the extermination rates are much higher, but such treatment requires massive contamination of a residential apartment building.

The main factor in exterminating cockroaches is eliminating the main source of parasite reproduction. As a preventative measure, you can also use a combination of chemicals with proven folk remedies.

To obtain the required impact effect, it is best to treat all infected apartments on one day, since in this case the remaining individuals will have nowhere to hide.

How black cockroaches get into an apartment

Insects can enter a person’s home in the following ways:

1. Clothes, suitcases. You can bring cockroaches into your home in a suitcase brought from a business trip, or through the belongings of guests.
2. Catering establishments located on the first floors of an apartment building. After disinsection, which is carried out by the owners of the establishment, cockroaches run through the ventilation pipes to the upper floors.
3. Shops and supermarkets. Purchases brought from a store can become a source of contamination of the premises. This mainly concerns food.
4. Sewerage and garbage disposal. A huge number of cockroaches move through the pipes.

The appearance of black cockroaches means that the apartment attracts insects due to conditions. Cockroaches like high humidity, bread crumbs, garbage and dirty dishes.

Preventive measures

Prevention of the proliferation of black cockroaches in residential premises is based on following simple recommendations:

• Keeping your own home clean and carrying out regular cleaning;
• Carrying out wet cleaning at least 2 times a week;
• Keeping food in proper place;
• Sealing the ventilation window with a thin mesh to prevent parasites from entering the room through the ventilation;
• Closing sockets with special plugs;
• Eliminating the presence of water in the sink or on the floor;
• Prohibition of leaving unwashed dishes in the sink for a long time;
• Carrying out all necessary measures in consultation with neighbors if parasites have been identified.

How to get rid of black cockroaches using traditional methods

There are also home methods to combat whiskered insects. For more than 30 years, boric acid has been used to kill parasites. The poison is used in the form of powder, scattered on the floor, or as part of a bait made of balls.

How to prepare bait with boric acid:

1. Combine boric acid with granulated sugar in equal proportions.
2. Add raw egg and flour, knead the dough.
3. Add water if the dough is thick.
4. Divide the resulting dough into pieces and roll it into balls.
5. Place bait in places where insects have settled.

Remember that the main rule of disinfestation is to block insects’ access to water. Water is a source of life for cockroaches. Even if the parasite falls for the bait, once it reaches the water, it will quench its thirst, as a result of which the effectiveness of boric acid will decrease and the cockroach will remain alive.

Wiping surfaces with repellent solutions will help get rid of black cockroaches:

• ammonia (ammonia);
• essential oils: mint, lemon balm, lavender, eucalyptus;
• acetic acid.

To prepare a solution for treatment, add a few drops of repellent to the water. The resulting solution is used to wipe the floors and walls of furniture.

Cockroaches cannot tolerate fragrant plants. Place geraniums in the kitchen - it will not only purify the air in the room, but will also repel insects.

The most serious folk method is the use of kerosene. The pungent smell drives cockroaches out of the apartment, and they do not return in the future. The treatment is carried out in its pure form, without adding water to kerosene.

Why do you dream about black cockroaches?

The appearance of a large black cockroach in a dream when studying many dream books indicates that a person may have various kinds of troubles, discord with loved ones, or a deterioration in business ties.

If a person killed a black cockroach in a dream, then this phenomenon is considered an omen of a favorable outcome in the planned matter. Seeing a parasite on the threshold of significant events (moving, marriage, birth of a child) is good news in these matters.

At the sight of a dead insect, a person’s plans may not come true. It is bad when in a dream a cockroach attacks a sleeping person or crawls on him, as this means the emergence of additional problems and misfortunes in a person’s life.